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A Swan In Hiding

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Now with formalities out of the way I bring you

Chapter 10 Home and Heartbreak

Skydancinghobbit

it was the second week in May in which the three young ladies set out together from Gracechurch-street for the town of - in Hertfordshire; and, as they drew near the appointed inn where Mr. Bennet's carriage was to meet them, they quickly perceived, in token of the coachman's punctuality, both Kitty and Lydia looking out of a dining room upstairs. These two girls had been above an hour in the place, happily employed in visiting an opposite milliner, watching the sentinel on guard, and dressing a salad and cucumber.

P&P Volume 2 Chapter 39

Without Ann for pleasant company and the novelty of commentary brought forth by her mother, Mary found with her return to the patronage life dragged in a fashion she was unaccustomed to. Books had lost their thrill, long walks their beauty and conversation its draw. This was not to say she was unpleasant, no it was often remarked that Miss Mary took her part in the meager activities of the Collins family. She spoke ate and attended to business with much the same vigor as she always had, Yet her heart was a thousand miles away resting with her dear friend in whatever trouble the family had found themselves in. A week elapsed before news reached her. By way of a letter, delivered with great pomp and ceremony by Mr. Collins himself who remarked most gravely

"Cousin... Miss Ann favors you greatly, for even in her present distress she had seen fit to write you."

As the envelope rested firmly on the silver tray Mary saw no point in commenting on this observation beyond sweeping the letter from its place and thanking her host most kindly for bringing it to her attention. Thinking this conference was over she turned, eager it seemed to regain her place in the chair she had been reading when the knock at her door had called her attention from the world of Utopia, a novel recommended by her friend. Yet the man lingered, rather like a mouse waiting patiently until the family went to sleep so he could grab the tasty food left out on the sill, or as in this case she surmised, to hear the latest news contained in her missive. Rather more amused then offended Mary raised an eyebrow in question before speaking.

"Have I forgotten something Mr. Collins?"

She had the satisfaction of watching a blush mantle his pale features as he realized he had been caught lingering, the eager light in his eyes fading as he recognized the cue as the hint it was. Bowing in somewhat of a miffed fashion he withdrew with a mumbled reminder that the farewell tea was to be served in less then an hour's time. As if Mary would have forgotten, her belongings were packed gifts from her Ladyship carefully wrapped and stowed and the few supplies from Charlotte placed in the waiting carriage. Even in their grief it seemed the Miss Bennets were not forgotten, for standing in the humble parsonage drive was a carriage belonging to their noble patroness, upholstered in bright blue, it was quite a thing of beauty of which Mr. Collins was sure to gloat over for days, if he was ever in need of new boast, which to Mary's mind seemed unlikely. Waiting for the tread of his steps to fade, signally his decent down the stairs, Mary ripped into the letter tossing the envelope to the floor in the careless fashion of one who's only wish at present is to learn the latest news.

My dearest Mary,

How I miss you! With nothing but the rattle of the chaise and the snores of my mother to occupy my thoughts I find myself a liberty to reflect on events as we continue our journey. I can almost imagine your frown as I write this so I must explain. Our carriage saw fit to break not far outside of town. Much to my mother's displeasure! Oh Mary you should have heard her strictures! How I nearly laughed! However I am in danger of you my dearest friend thinking me improper, rest assure the news did affect my spirits most severely, As you are in all probability ignorant of events I shall endeavor to lay then before you, though take care to burn this missive after reading, I would not wish Mr. Collins to know our troubles for the world, nosy man!

An express came to us from Mr. Collins as you know during dinner, its contents spoke of a death, with very little detail beyond request of our immediate assistance in family matters. Well I will not disguise the truth Mary as I have just now learned for Mama talks in her sleep... it was James...the elder brother of a certain military man I shall not mention for fear of making you blus,. Who has passed on! No doubt this comes as a shock to you...and so it did to us all but, there it you have it. The house is now in sight and I must hide this letter before Mama wakes.

I hope to hear from you soon Mary

Miss Ann

Finishing the missive Mary sat in silence for a long moment her mind busy attempting to take in all she had just read. Unable to determine wither it was safer to laugh or cry. One the one hand she grieved for the family. Miss Ann had mentioned the kindness of James and his wife, not married long and with no children a widow faced a grave future unless as she guessed the family would provide some means for her. On the other, this meant the man who had laughed with, teased and enchanted her was now the elder son! Poor Fitzwilliam. She had no doubt beyond the grief he was now drowned in, there rested a heavy weight of new responsibility, saddled with a life he had no interest in. Great wealth demanded much from those that inherited it. Shaking her head she strode over to the grate and threw the letter in, taking care to watch it burn to ash before leaving the room.

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The ceremony of leave-taking stole her thoughts from anything but the present as the party sat down to tea partaking of the excellent spread of food and snacks placed before them. It was a most thoughtful gesture from Mrs. Collins, who truly seemed to pine the departure of her guests as she lavished then with the best her table had to offer. Mary considered her carefully as they parted and felt only pity, to be left in such company as her husband entirely seemed nearly cruel but Charlotte had made her choice with her eyes open and thus Mary bid her a kind farewell in company with her sister when the time came, each embracing their hostess promising to write given the first opportunity. Then without any further ado the Ladies were handed into the lavish carriage and with a crack of the whip, were clattering down the drive.

"Our father will be most pleased...Mr. Collins has proved quite amusing I cannot wait to tell him of our trip"

The sudden comment brought Mary sharply from her thoughts, she had been musing on her shopping day in London with her Ladyship, prompted to return to the moment, as she considered the words her mood sank. Ah Hertfordshire...thats was were she was returning to a family scene she knew well, the commands of her mother and the indifference of her father. Still it would be good to see her yonger sisters once again. At once a swell of unknown emotion struck Mary and she ducked her head gently before speaking as if that alone would stem the flow of jealousy that had suddenly reared its head.

"Pleased to see you Lizzy and Jane without doubt... I don't think he will even notice me"

This made her sister sit up and take notice, rarely had her gentle quiet sibling ever voiced such a sentiment aloud. Elizabeth frowned and reached over to take the pale hand that rested on the seat next to her. Squeezing it gently she opened her mouth to speak and then closed it again finding for once, she had not rebuttal for such a statement, for her father was in truth a very singular man able to see only the fictional worlds and the works of fiction that his library held, so different from his every day life. Their mothers reaction would be typical, like a horse with blinders on, turning to Jane alone seeking news of their neighbor to the exclusion of everyone else, it did leave a bitter taste in her mouth even as she strove to lighten the mood even as she knew her Sister to be right.

"You shall see…our Uncle, Aunt and Jane will be glad to see you…. of that rest assured"

So it proved, the journey was made in haste, stopping only to switch the horses and take light refreshment before the travelers pushed on to London, eager it seemed to be in the eager arms of their waiting family after so long away. The sun had just slipped beneath the horizon when they reached cheap side, covered in the light dust of the road and sporting ache muscles long confined the party left the carriage gratefully and stepped into the warmth and cheer of the family home. Her young cousins acted as if they had not seen Mary in a year, fussing over her appearance, her figure and how tired she looked. Laughing along with her sister she happily retired to bath and changed before the family all sat down to dinner. lively conversation, switching between topics varied the scene as the travelers were stuffed with the joys of home cooking, news and the sweets saved especially for these visits, much to the delight of the children, simple games and tea was the conclusion to the day as the young ones were sent off to bed full and happy, Mary nodded gently over her book, the weariness of the journey and worries of the day overcoming her at last. A soft thump was the last thing she heard as her book slid from her lap onto the plush carpet of the sitting room, as the soft crackling blaze lulled her into a deep peaceful sleep.

So ends Chapter 10 –hands out tea and crumpets- Hope I didn't bore you!

Liked it? Have a suggestion for future Chapters? Please drop me a review and let me know ^_^

My thanks goes out to my Beta's who havn't yet had a chance to edit this Chapter so any errors my readers may find are strictly my fault and i offer my apologise for them in advance.

Whoever grants this story its 110th review shall have Chapter 11 dedicated to them

Stay tuned for Chapter 11. Of Letters and Love

Skydancinghobbit

P.S. Please check my other fanfic it needs some love too you know ^_^